Pub’s all-nighter – for a good cause

Because Michael Coyne – owner of Tigh Chadhain in Cill Chiaráin – will lead the group in what will be their sixth Sleepout for Galway Simon, the charity that plays such a key part in tackling homelessness here in the west.

“Our first Sleepout took place in 2015 as a one-off event as the homeless crisis was relatively new at the time,” says Michael.

Myself and some Coyne’s Gastropub customers decided to come together to fundraise for Galway Simon. Ten people in all took part and managed to raise over €5,000. And as the homeless crisis deepened, it then became an annual event raising over €25,000 for Galway Simon,” he adds.

Since that first Sleepout, over fifty people from Ros Muc to Cashel have taken part in the Coyne’s Gastropub Sleepout.

“We didn’t hold one last year due to Covid but this Friday, we are giving up our beds and usual comforts again in support of those facing homelessness this Christmas. Our Sleepout will be different this year, as it will be a socially-distanced event, held outside in the Coyne’s Gastropub car park,” says Michael.

But it will still be run like previous Sleepouts, starting at midnight and finishing at 9am. Participants will just have a sleeping bag and the clothes they have on them as they brave the elements.

“One thing that we do know is that this is just for one night and there are many, many people who must do this on a regular basis,” says Michael.

If you’d like to donate to this year’s Sleepout you can do so by directly sponsoring one of this year’s team – Michael Coyne, Meabh Coyne, Con Hynes, Sarah Ní Chuirrín, Kevin Naughton, Ríona Ní Chuirrín , Cathal Coyne, Aoife Dunworth, Seamus Canavan , Tommy Canavan – or you can contribute via iDonate https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11421819_coyne--s-gastropub-sleepout-for-simon.html